Listed under Monuments & Landmarks in Luxor, Egypt. Rated 69th of all Monuments & Landmarks in the world.
The Colossi of Memnon was originally built as Amenhotep III's memorial temple, but the reason it is so popular is because of the two gigantic statues that guard the outside. Probably due to an earthquake, they are now all that remain- but they are certainly reason enough to visit the site- at 23 meters high and one thousand tons each. Their names have changed throughout the years. Ancient Egyptians called the statues “Ruler of Rulers” while later travelers called them “Shammy” and “Tammy”- perhaps a bad translation of the Arabic words for right and left. Today they are known locally as "el-Colossat", or "es-Salamat". Made out of carved blocks of quartzite, the statues each depict Amenhotep III, one with his mother and the other with his wife and daughter.
Written by
Mary Kate Alfieri.
There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?
Choose from a range of elegant hotels in historic Luxor with flights included.
Great rates and packages on holidays to selected hotels and resorts by air from the UK
Meet real people and real cultures in Intrepid's 'Off the Beaten Track' holidays
Comprehensive tour fully covering Egypt and Jordan including the main Pharaonic sites, a desert safari plus Wadi rum & Petra
This week-long tour, accompanied by a qualified Egyptologist throughout, is the perfect introduction to the many and varied sights of Egypt.

Of Mughal architectural design, the Taj Mahal is a true wonder of the world. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate …

Originally built for the 1889 World Fair, this structure was designed to incorporate the advancement of metallurgy in construct…

The most famous symbol of Rome, despite the crowds and the touts still one of the world's greatest monuments.

Egypt is famed for its amazing historical artefacts, its rich culture and above all the vast Egyptian desert full of tons and t…

When first arriving on Philae island by boat, you will enter through the Vestibule of Nectanebos I, where two rows of colonnade…

Only ten minutes drive north of Port Safaga, Soma Bay has two main bays, both with shallow water, a long sandbank and flat cond…